“How long have you been doing interviews?” he wondered, glancing back at me. “I remember your dad used to take care of this part.”
“You’re not the one who’s supposed to be asking questions right now.”
“Come on.” Leo stuffed his hands in his pockets and continued moving around the space. “I’m sure this job would be way more fun if you stopped strictly sticking to guidelines…”
He trailed off as he paused in front of the large company calendar.
“Oh, damn.” He whistled. “This is impressive.”
My body filled with pride at seeing him marvel at all my hard work.
“You did all this on your own?” He stepped closer to get a better look. “That’s a silly question, of course, you did.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “It took forever, but it was worth every second.”
“What’s this?” He was looking at something off on the side of the calendar.
I frowned and hopped out of my chair at lightning speed to join his side. Leo was staring at a Post-it note I’d made after our exchange at the block party. I had wanted to keep track of the wishes I made on the three pieces of pie I’d eaten. Claire suggested that sometimes if you wrote them down, it would help with the manifesting. I forgot I’d left it in here.
“Just notes to myself,” I mumbled and crumpled the Post-it in my hand.
Wrong move, because much like my brother, once Leo had his mind set on something, he would not let it go easily.
“I saw my name,” he said.
I scratched my head. “You must have misread.”
“Did I?” He tried to reach for the Post-it but I dodged his advances.
I smiled when he looked impressed by how quickly I moved. “It’s personal, Leo. And we’re in a professional setting.”
“Your family’s garage?” He moved closer, and I stepped back.
“The vibe—” I gestured my hands to the office section. “—is supposed to be professional. That’s why I set up cups of pens and cabinet files all over the place.”
My back hit a wall and eyes widened when Leo continued moving closer until we were but inches away. I could see the warmth in his eyes. He placed one hand above my shoulder, closing the distance even more. Suddenly, this interview had turned intimate. My body reacted in the least professional way possible, buzzing with feelings I needed to push deep down.
“You don’t have to be embarrassed.” His steady voice made me suck in a deep breath.
My eyes couldn’t help but trail to his lips for a second when I replied, “I’m not embarrassed.”
“Then, do you not trust me?”
“Naturally.” I nodded with a half-shrug.
He considered my answer for a moment. “Fair enough. Trust has to be built and I owe you a proper apology.”
I blinked in surprise and kept quiet to give him time to elaborate. He stayed close as he considered his next words, carefully. There was a noise at the opening of the garage that instantly captured both of our attention. It was only the neighbors across the street. We relaxed like we had narrowly avoided getting caught doing… what, exactly?
Instead of moving away like he probably should have, Leo bent closer. “I’m sorry about the swim lessons.”
I stood, frozen, and waited for him to continue.
“Will you let me make it up to you?” he asked, hope in his voice.
“I think that ship has sailed.” I shook my head.
“You can’t avoid the water forever, Kira.”
